Knife Sharpener System

ABSTRACT

A knife sharpener system for efficiently and quickly sharpening a blade of a knife. The knife sharpener system generally includes a support structure, a sharpening unit including a retaining portion, wherein the sharpening unit extends from the support structure, at least one sharpening member extending from the sharpening unit and at least one magnet positioned within the sharpening unit, wherein the retaining portion is positioned between the sharpening member and the magnet and wherein a metal residue of a blade is magnetically attracted to the retaining portion via the magnet.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable to this application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to knife sharpeners and more specifically it relates to a knife sharpener system for efficiently and quickly sharpening a blade of a knife.

2. Description of the Related Art

Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Knife sharpeners have been in use for years. Typically, knife sharpeners are manufactured in various sizes and configurations and are utilized for creating or refining a sharp edge upon a blade (e.g. knife, etc.), tool or implement. Knife sharpeners may further be comprised of powered knife sharpeners (e.g. grinders, etc.) or non-powered knife sharpeners (e.g. handheld, etc.). Handheld knife sharpeners are generally utilized by positioning the knife upon the sharpening stone(s), carbide or other metal and pulling or pushing the knife over the sharpening material in an even stroke manner.

Many nuisances are generally associated with prior handheld knife sharpeners. One nuisance is that many knife sharpeners leave behind a metal residue on the blade edges after sharpening thus causing the metal residue to come in contact with food if the blade isn't properly cleaned. Another problem is that many knife sharpeners are not dishwasher safe thus increasing the time it takes to clean the knife sharpener.

A further problem with prior knife sharpeners is that the material of the knife sharpener may begin to rust over time, thus decreasing the life of the knife sharpener. Also, knife sharpeners generally only include a single point of contact for the blade and generally only sharpen one side of the blade at one time, thus increasing the time it takes to sharpen the blade. Because of the general lack of efficiency and practicality in the prior art, there is the need for a new and improved knife sharpener system for efficiently and quickly sharpening a blade of a knife.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The general purpose of the present invention is to provide a knife sharpener system that has many of the advantages of the knife sharpeners mentioned heretofore. The invention generally relates to a knife sharpener which includes a support structure, a sharpening unit including a retaining portion, wherein the sharpening unit extends from the support structure. At least one sharpening member extends from the sharpening unit and at least one magnet is positioned within the sharpening unit, wherein the remaining portion is positioned between the sharpening member and the magnet and wherein a metal residue of a blade is magnetically attracted to the retaining portion via the magnet.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

An object is to provide a knife sharpener system for efficiently and quickly sharpening a blade of a knife.

Another object is to provide a knife sharpener system that pulls and traps the metal residue away from the knife during and after sharpening.

An additional object is to provide a knife sharpener system that is dishwasher safe.

A further object is to provide a knife sharpener system that does not rust over time.

Another object is to provide a knife sharpener system that includes a plurality of sharpening contact areas to quickly sharpen the blade of the knife.

Another object is to provide a knife sharpener system that sharpens both sides of the blade simultaneously.

Another object is to provide a knife sharpener system that may be utilized with various types and sizes of knifes.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention. To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the present invention in use.

FIG. 5 is a cutaway side view of the present invention in use.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the present invention with the guide members moved apart from one another.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the present invention with the guide members moved apart from one another.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the present invention with the guide members moved apart from one another and the second guide member rotated.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the present invention with the guide members moved apart from one another and the second guide member rotated.

FIG. 10 is a cutaway upper perspective view of the first guide member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A. Overview

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 through 10 illustrate a knife sharpener system 10, which comprises a support structure 20, a sharpening unit 30 including a retaining portion 36, wherein the sharpening unit 30 extends from the support structure 20, at least one sharpening member 60, 65 extending from the sharpening unit 30 and at least one magnet 70, 72 positioned within the sharpening unit 30, wherein the retaining portion 36 is positioned between the sharpening member 60, 65 and the magnet 70, 72 and wherein a metal residue 17 of a blade 12 is magnetically attracted to the retaining portion 36 via the magnet 70, 72.

B. Support Structure

The support structure 20 includes a handle 22 for a user to grasp while utilizing the present invention and also a support member 25 extending from the handle 22 to receive and secure the sharpening unit 30 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 10. The support structure 20 may be comprised of various types of materials, such as but not limited to plastic, metal or wood. The support structure 20 is preferably comprised of an integrally formed structure; however it is appreciated that the various components of the support structure 20 (i.e. handle 22, guard 23, support member 25, etc.) may be comprised of separate structures.

The handle 22 is comprised of an elongated configuration as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4. The handle 22 is also preferably comprised of a substantially cylindrical shaped configuration, wherein the handle 22 is ergonomically formed to fit the contour of the user's hand. The handle 22 preferably includes a plurality of indentations to receive each one of the user's fingers and allow the user to comfortably grasp and utilize the present invention. The indentations may also include a cushiony or soft material to further increase the comfort for the user while grasping the present invention.

The guard 23 extends from the handle 22 between the handle 22 and the support member 25 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4. The guard 23 is preferably comprised of a circular configuration. The guard 23 prevents the user's hand from slipping from the handle 22 and engaging the sharpening unit 30. The outer diameter of the guard 23 is subsequently larger than the outer diameter of the handle 22. The guard 23 is also preferably concentric with the handle 22 so as to evenly extend outwardly around all sides of the handle 22.

The support member 25 extends from the guard 23 opposite the handle 22 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4. The support member 25 is preferably comprised of an elongated cylindrical shaped configuration; however it is appreciated that the support member 25 may be comprised of various cross-sectional shapes, such as but not limited to rectangular or triangular. The support member 25 is comprised of a uniform diameter extending along the longitudinal axis to allow the second guide member 50 to smoothly slide along the support member 25.

The support member 25 includes an inner portion 26 and an outer portion 27 extending from the inner portion 26. The inner portion 26 is positioned adjacent the guard 23 and the outer portion 27 is positioned opposite the guard 23 with respect to the inner portion 26. The inner portion 26 and the outer portion 27 are concentric.

The support member 25 also preferably includes an aperture 28 extending through the outer portion 27 of the support member 25 on an opposing end as the guard 23. The aperture 28 is further preferably distally spaced from the second guide member 50 when the second guide member 50 is in contact with the first guide member 40 to allow space for the second guide member 50 to be pulled away from the first guide member 40 (i.e. for cleaning, repair, etc.) without engaging the aperture 28.

A ring 29 preferably extends through the apertures 28 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4. The ring 29 may be utilized for several purposes, such as but not limited to hanging the present invention from a nail, belt loop, etc. while the present invention is not in use. It is appreciated that the ring 29 also prevents the second guide member 50 from sliding off of the support member 25, wherein the second guide member 50 is not able to slide over the ring 29. The ring 29 may be comprised of various materials, such as but not limited to metal. The ring 29 is also preferably able to pivot within the aperture 28.

C. Sharpening Unit

The sharpening unit 30 is attached to the support member 25 of the support structure 20 and it receives the blade 12 of the knife when sharpening the blade 12. The sharpening unit 30 may be comprised of various sizes to accommodate various size blades 12. The sharpening unit 30 is also comprised of a washable and durable structure and material.

i. Guide Members

The sharpening unit 30 includes a first guide member 40 and a second guide member 50 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 9. The first guide member 40 is attached to the inner portion 26 of the support member 25, wherein the first guide member 40 is preferably fixedly attached to the inner portion 26. The second guide member 50 is positioned upon the outer portion 27 of the support member 25, wherein the second guide member 50 is preferably able to slide and rotate about the outer portion 27 of the support member 25 to allow for cleaning and inspection of the first guide member 40 and the second guide member 50.

The guide members 40, 50 each include a guide portion 44, 54. The guide portions 44, 54 face each other, wherein a cavity 32 is formed between thereof for receiving the blade 12 of the knife. The cavity 32 includes an upper portion 34, a lower portion 35 and a retaining portion 36. The upper portion 34 preferably angles downwards from the upper end 41, 51 of the guide members 40, 50 (opposite the support member 25) and toward a longitudinal center of the cavity 32, wherein the width of the cavity 32 lessens moving from an upper end 41, 51 of the guide members 40, 50 toward the lower end 42, 52 of the guide members 40, 50 (i.e. adjacent the support member 25).

The guide portion 44, 54 is preferably comprised of a material that will not damage or dull the blade 12 if the blade 12 engages the guide portion 44, 54, such as but not limited to a plastic material. The guide portion 44, 54 follows and surrounds the cavity 32 on opposing sides. The lower portion 35 of the cavity 32 extends vertically downwards and perpendicular to the support member 25. When extending the blade 12 within the lower portion 35 the blade 12 is perpendicularly aligned with the support member 25 and evenly positioned upon the sharpening members 60, 65.

The cavity 32 also preferably includes a retaining portion 36 below the lower portion 35 and the sharpening members 60, 65. The retaining portion 36 is preferably comprised of a V-shaped configuration and temporarily secures the metal residue 17 from the blade 12 while the user is sharpening the blade 12.

Extending from the guide portion 44, 54 of the guide members 40, 50 and towards the support member 25 is the connecting portion 45, 55. The connecting portion 45, 55 of each of the guide members 40, 50 are preferably substantially coplanar, wherein when positioning the second guide member 50 against the first guide member 40 the connecting portions 45, 55 are flush with each other.

The connecting portions 45, 55 each attach or position the guide members 40, 50 upon the support member 25. The second connecting portion 45, 55 also preferably extends toward and underneath the first connecting portion 45, 55 adjacent the lower end 42, 52 of the guide members 40, 50 to prevent the second guide member 50 from rotating while the second guide member 50 is positioned flush with the first guide member 40.

A side illustration of the second connecting portion 55 is further comprised of an L-shaped configuration, wherein the base of the L-shape extends under the lower end 42 of the first connecting portion 45 and first guide member 40. The connecting portions 45, 55 each also include a lower opening 46, 56, wherein the lower opening 46, 56 of each of the connecting portions 45, 55 partially circumscribes the support member 25.

In the preferred embodiment, the first lower opening 46 is comprised of a semi-circular shaped configuration, wherein the diameter of the first lower opening 46 is substantially similar to the diameter of the support member 25. The second lower opening 56 preferably extends at least approximately three-quarters of the way around the support member 25 to allow the second guide member 50 to rotate around the support member 25 without being detached. The diameter of the second lower opening 56 is substantially similar or slightly larger than the diameter of the support member 25.

It is appreciated however that the first lower opening 46 and the second lower opening 56 may extend around an entire outer perimeter of the support member 25, wherein the first guide member 40 would simply be fixedly attached and the second guide member 50 would be rotatably and slidably attached. The openings 46, 56 are further preferably concentric with the support structure 20 and support member 25.

The first guide member 40 is fixedly attached to the support member 25 via the first lower opening 46 of the first guide member 40 being fixedly attached to the support member 25. It is appreciated that the connecting portions 45, 55 may also be fixedly attached to the guard 23 or handle 22 of the support structure 20 to provide a more rigid attachment between the first guide member 40 and the support structure 20.

The second guide member 50 also preferably includes a pair of grasping members 59 extending outwardly from opposing sides of the second guide member 50. The grasping members 59 are adequately spaced away from the cavity 32 to prevent the grasping members 59 from interfering 29 with the sharpening of the blade 12. The grasping members 59 provide an element for the user to grasp when pulling the second guide member 50 away from the first guide member 40.

ii. Sharpening Members

The present invention includes a first sharpening member 60 extending from the first guide member 40 and a second sharpening member 65 extending from the second guide member 50. The first sharpening member 60 and the second sharpening member 65 are preferably comprised of a material that may be utilized to sharpen blades 12 and does not rust, such as tungsten carbide.

The sharpening members 60, 65 also extend within and from the guide members 40, 50 at a downward angle and toward each other. In the preferred embodiment, the sharpening members 60, 65 extend at a substantially similar angle (e.g. 20 degrees with respect to a perpendicular axis of the sharpening unit 30, etc.) as the respective side of the upper portion 34 of the cavity 32; it is appreciated however that the sharpening members 60, 65 may extend at various angles. The sharpening members 60, 65 are further comprised of a substantially similar configuration.

The sharpening members 60, 65 each include a support portion 61, 66 extending within a respective guide member 40, 50. The support portion 61, 66 extends within the guide portion 44, 54 of the guide members 40, 50. Extending from each of the support portions 61, 66 is a plurality of fingers 62, 67. The fingers 62, 67 extend from the guide portion 44, 54 towards the opposing guide member 40, 50. The fingers 62, 67 are preferably equidistantly spaced along the inner surface of the guide portion 44, 54 of each respective guide member 40, 50. The fingers 62, 67 further extend within the lower portion 35 of the cavity 32.

The first fingers 62 of the first sharpening member 60 and the second fingers 67 of the second sharpening member 65 also preferably interlock, wherein the first fingers 62 and the second fingers 67 are alternately spaced within the cavity 32. Alternately spacing the first fingers 62 and the second fingers 67 allows for the user to efficiently sharpen the blade 12 simultaneously along opposing edges (i.e. first cutting edge 14 and second cutting edge 15) of the blade 12. The first fingers 62 thus engage a first cutting edge 14 of the blade 12 and the second fingers 67 engage a second cutting edge 15 of the blade 12 as illustrated in Figures X through X.

The fingers 62, 67 also preferably each include a recessed portion 63, 68 as illustrated in FIG. 10. The recessed portion 63, 68 extends within the upper surface of the fingers 62, 67 (i.e. surface of the fingers 62, 67 that engage the blade 12). The recessed portion 63, 68 further follows a longitudinal axis of the fingers 62, 67.

The recessed portions 63, 68 are each preferably comprised of a cross-sectional V-shaped configuration. The recessed portions 63, 68 serve to double the contact areas of each of the fingers 62, 67, wherein the edges 14, 15 of the blade 12 engage the fingers 62, 67 on both sides of the recessed portion 63, 68. The recessed portions 63, 68 also help to channel the metal residue 17 from sharpening the blade 12 toward the retaining portion 36 of the cavity 32.

iii. Magnets

The present invention also includes a first magnet 70 positioned within the first guide member 40 and a second magnet 72 positioned within the second guide member 50. The first magnet 70 and the second magnet 72 preferably produce a substantially strong magnetic field to efficiently pull the metal residue 17 away from the sharpening members 60, 65 and the blade 12 while the user is sharpening the blade 12.

The magnets 70, 72 are further preferably comprised of neodymium magnets 70, 72. It is thus a function of the present invention to efficiently pull the metal residue 17 away from the blade 12 and sharpening members 60, 65 (i.e. via the magnets 70, 72) to prevent the metal residue 17 from remaining upon the blade 12 and thus contaminating food with blade 12 (i.e. when sharpening kitchen knives, etc.).

The magnets 70, 72 are preferably positioned within the connecting portion 45, 55 of each of the respective guide members 40, 50 The poles of each of the magnets 70, 72 are also positioned so that the magnets 70, 72 attract to each other while positioned within the guide members 40, 50 rather than repel each other. The magnets 70, 72 preferably provide the primary force to secure the second guide member 50 to the first guide member 40. The magnets 70, 72 also serve to secure the metal residue 17 within the retaining portion 36 during use of the present invention.

D. Operation of Preferred Embodiment

In use, the handle 22 is grasped by the user and the second guide member 50 is aligned in an upright manner to match the first guide member 40. The second guide member 50 is then slid towards the first guide member 40 until the connecting portion 55 of the second guide member 50 engages the connecting portion 45 of the first guide member 40 and the first guide member 40 and the second guide member 50 magnetically attach to each other.

The knife is then held by the knife handle with the user's other hand and the blade 12 is positioned within the cavity 32, wherein the user ensures that the cutting edges 14, 15 of the blade 12 are oriented toward the sharpening members 60, 65. The user now positions the cutting edges 14, 15 of the blade 12 upon the sharpening members 60, 65 ensuring that the blade 12 is perpendicular with the support member 25 and pulls the blade 12 away from the sharpening unit 30 while continuing to make contact with the sharpening members 60, 65 via the blade 12.

As the user sharpens the blade 12, the metal residue 17 (i.e. shavings) from sharpening the blade 12 are magnetically attracted to the magnets 70, 72 and thus removed from the blade 12 and secured upon the retaining portion 36 of the cavity 32 as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. This ensures that the blade 12 remains free and clean from any metal residue 17 that may contaminate food or other objects. The user continues to repeat the above sharpening process until the cutting edges 14, 15 of the blade 12 are at a desired sharpness.

After the user is finished sharpening the blade 12 of the knife, the second guide member 50 may be grasped via the grasping members 59 and pulled firmly away from the first guide member 40 as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. The second guide member 50 is now rotated 180 degrees upon the support member 25 to prevent the second magnet 72 of the second guide member 50 from magnetically attaching the second guide member 50 to the first guide member 40 as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.

The guide members 40, 50 may now be cleaned of any metal residue 17 magnetically attached to the respective guide member 40, 50 via wiping a cloth over the guide members 40, 50, putting the present invention in the dishwasher or various other methods of cleaning. When the present invention is desired to be reutilized the previously described process is repeated.

What has been described and illustrated herein is a preferred embodiment of the invention along with some of its variations. The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention, which is intended to be defined by the following claims (and their equivalents) in which all terms are meant in their broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect. 

1. A knife sharpener system, comprising: a support structure; a sharpening unit including a retaining portion, wherein said sharpening unit extends from said support structure, wherein said sharpening unit includes a first guide member and a second guide member, wherein said first guide member removably attaches to said second guide member; at least one sharpening member extending from said sharpening unit, wherein said at least one sharpening member extends in an oblique manner with respect to said sharpening unit; and at least one magnet positioned within said sharpening unit; wherein said retaining portion is positioned between said at least one sharpening member and said at least one magnet and wherein a metal residue of a blade is magnetically attracted to said retaining portion via said at least one magnet.
 2. The knife sharpener system of claim 1, wherein said at least one sharpening member extends at a downward angle from said sharpening unit.
 3. (canceled)
 4. The knife sharpener system of claim 3, wherein said second guide member magnetically attaches to said first guide member.
 5. The knife sharpener system of claim 3, wherein said first guide member is fixedly attached to said support structure and wherein said second guide member is movably attached to said support structure.
 6. The knife sharpener system of claim 5, wherein said second guide member slides and rotates about said support structure.
 7. The knife sharpener system of claim 1, wherein said support structure includes a support member comprised of a cylindrical shape configuration, wherein said sharpening unit is attached to said support member.
 8. The knife sharpener system of claim 1, wherein said at least one magnet is comprised of a neodymium magnet.
 9. A knife sharpener system, comprising: a support structure; a sharpening unit including a cavity extending within said sharpening unit, wherein said sharpening unit extends from said support structure, wherein said sharpening unit includes a first guide member and a second guide member, wherein said first guide member is fixedly attached to said support structure and wherein said second guide member is movably attached to said support structure; a first sharpening member extending from a first side of said sharpening unit and within said cavity; and a second sharpening member extending from a second side of said sharpening unit and within said cavity; wherein said first sharpening member and said second sharpening member extend within said cavity at a downward angle.
 10. The knife sharpener system of claim 9, wherein said first sharpening member is perpendicular to said support structure.
 11. The knife sharpener system of claim 9, wherein said first sharpening member includes a plurality of first fingers and wherein said second sharpening member includes a plurality of second fingers.
 12. The knife sharpener system of claim 11, wherein said plurality of first fingers interlock with said plurality of second fingers.
 13. The knife sharpener system of claim 11, wherein said plurality of first fingers each includes a first recessed portion and wherein said plurality of second fingers each include a second recessed portion.
 14. The knife sharpener system of claim 13, wherein said first recessed portion extend along a first longitudinal axis of each of said plurality of first fingers and wherein said second recessed portion extends along a second longitudinal axis of each of said plurality of second fingers.
 15. The knife sharpener system of claim 14, wherein said first recessed portion and said second recessed portion are comprised of a cross sectional V-shaped configuration.
 16. The knife sharpener system of claim 9, wherein said sharpening unit includes at least one magnet positioned within said sharpening unit.
 17. A knife sharpener system, comprising: a handle; a support member extending from said handle, wherein said support member is concentric with said handle; a sharpening unit including a first guide member and a second guide member, wherein said sharpening unit extends from said support member and wherein said sharpening unit is perpendicular to said support member; wherein said sharpening unit includes a cavity extending between said first guide member and said second guide member; wherein said cavity includes a retaining portion positioned adjacent said support member; wherein said first guide member is fixedly attached to said support member and wherein said second guide member is movably attached to said support member; wherein said second guide member slides and rotates about said support member; a first magnet positioned within said first guide member; a second magnet positioned within said second guide member, wherein said first guide member magnetically attaches to said second guide member via said first magnet and said second magnet; a first sharpening member extending from said first guide member and within said cavity; and a second sharpening member extending from said second guide member and within an opposing side of said cavity as said first sharpening member; wherein said first sharpening member is perpendicular to said support member; wherein said first sharpening member includes a plurality of first fingers and wherein said second sharpening member includes a plurality of second fingers; wherein said first fingers interlock with said second fingers.
 18. The knife sharpener system of claim 17, wherein said plurality of first fingers each includes a first recessed portion and wherein said plurality of second fingers each include a second recessed portion.
 19. The knife sharpener system of claim 18, wherein said first recessed portion extend along a first longitudinal axis of each of said plurality of first fingers and wherein said second recessed portion extends along a second longitudinal axis of each of said plurality of second fingers.
 20. The knife sharpener system of claim 19, wherein said first recessed portion and said second recessed portion are comprised of a cross sectional V-shaped configuration. 